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10 Test Prep Tips for SAT and ACT Takers

By U.S. News & World Report

Succeed on College Entrance Exams

Many colleges and universities require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores to show their mastery in certain subjects, such as English and math.

Test preparation experts encourage prospective college students to carefully think about when and how to study for these exams. Start with these 10 tips.

Decide Which Test to Take

While the SAT and ACT are similar, they have a few differences. For example, the ACT includes a science section, but the SAT does not. Before choosing between the two, college applicants should take a practice test for each exam, one test prep expert recommends. Applicants should then focus on studying for the exam in which they had scored better.

Consider Writing Ability

When deciding which test is best for you, think about the writing portions for each exam. Although not required, some schools prefer applicants to take either the SAT essay or ACT writing section.

Test-takers must analyze one passage in 50 minutes in the SAT essay section. For the ACT writing section, students must argue a specific perspective in 40 minutes.

Register Early

It’s best to take college entrance exams sooner rather than later, says one expert. If test-takers don’t get an ideal score the first time around, they may have time to refine their approach for studying and retake the exam.

Partner With Parents

One test expert says parents can help students with everything from finding a quiet place to study for the entrance exam to planning a study schedule and identifying areas of improvement.

Select the Right Test Prep Course

SAT and ACT test preparation courses can vary in many ways, such as class size and teaching style. College applicants should consider how much help they’ll need studying for the exam, how much they can pay for a class and what their ideal learning environment is, among other things, a test expert says.

Explore Other Test Prep Resources

While test preparation classes are one way to get ready for the SAT or ACT, other options are available that can cost a lot less. Libraries, for example, often stock test prep materials. High schoolers can also ask for help from their teachers, who may provide feedback on draft essays or recommend practice math problems.

Take Strong High School Courses

Some classes offered in high school may also help students prepare for the SAT and ACT exams. A class in trigonometry or AP English may help students with the math or English sections on either exam, a test expert says.

Set Realistic Goals

It’s important to create a study schedule that leaves students ample time for practice tests, says one test preparation expert. Prospective college students should also anticipate that some subjects may require additional review or that their practice test scores won’t increase as quickly as they would like. Test-takers should leave room for flexibility in their study schedules, one expert says.

Simulate Testing Conditions

When taking practice exams, it’s important for students to mimic the testing conditions that they’ll face on exam day, one test expert says. This includes sticking to the allotted time for each section and taking short breaks between sections.

Reject Myths About Standardized Tests

Some may believe the ACT is easier than the SAT or that it’s less difficult to prepare for the SAT than the ACT. Ignore these myths and others, one expert says. Both exams require lots of studying and hard work.

More Test Preparation Advice

There’s more to learn about test preparation. Follow U.S. News Education on Facebook and Twitter to get additional guidance on studying for the SAT and ACT.

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10 Test Prep Tips for SAT and ACT Takers originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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